Music
What is Music?
"Music is all around us. It is the soundtrack to our lives. Music connects us through people and places in our ever-changing world. It is creative, collaborative, celebratory and challenging. In our schools, music can bring communities together through the shared endeavour of whole-school singing, ensemble playing, experimenting with the creative process and, through the love of listening to friends and fellow pupils, performing. The sheer joy of music making can feed the soul of a school community, enriching each student while strengthening the shared bonds of support and trust which make a great school... Music has a rare and unique ability to bring people together; music making can make a whole class, school and community feel connected to others and part of something bigger."
– DfE Model Music Curriculum (2021)
At HAWI, we believe music is far more than a subject—it is a powerful form of expression, a means of connection, and a source of joy. Music inspires creativity, builds confidence, develops resilience, and opens doors to cultures, traditions and experiences from across the world. Whether performing, composing, listening or creating, music enables students to find their voice and become part of something bigger than themselves.
Why do we teach Music at HAWI?
At HAWI, we believe every child deserves a rich and inspiring music education. Music is a universal language that transcends barriers, communicates emotion, and brings people together. Through music, students develop creativity, discipline, perseverance and self-confidence, while gaining a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Our curriculum is carefully designed around the powerful musical knowledge and experiences that all students are entitled to. We celebrate the music that matters to our students while broadening their horizons through exposure to a diverse range of genres, styles, cultures and traditions. We aim to ignite curiosity, nurture creativity and foster a lifelong appreciation of music.
By engaging with music as performers, composers and critical listeners, students develop not only musical skills but also the confidence to express themselves, collaborate with others and embrace new challenges. We want every student to leave HAWI with a lasting love of music and the belief that music can enrich their lives long beyond the classroom.
Music at HAWI also supports students in exploring future pathways within the creative industries. Through curriculum learning, enrichment opportunities and performance experiences, students gain valuable transferable skills including teamwork, communication, creativity, resilience and leadership. Students are introduced to the wide range of careers available within the music industry and the wider creative sector, including performance, composition, music production, sound engineering, arts management, teaching and music therapy. These experiences help students to develop confidence in their abilities and understand how their musical skills can support future study, employment and lifelong participation in the arts.
HAWI as a Lead School for Music
Harris Academy Wimbledon is proud to be recognised as one of Merton's Lead Schools for Music, playing a key role in supporting high-quality music education across the borough. As a Lead School, we work collaboratively with local schools, music organisations and cultural partners to champion inclusive musical opportunities, share expertise and ensure that every young person has access to a rich and meaningful music education.
Our unique position is enhanced by our close partnership with Merton Music Foundation (MMF), the lead organisation of the Merton Music Education Hub. Located immediately next door to the academy, MMF provides exceptional opportunities for our students through instrumental tuition, ensembles, choirs, orchestras, music technology programmes and large-scale performances. This partnership enables students to access specialist teaching, high-quality progression routes and a wealth of musical experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
Together, Harris Academy Wimbledon and Merton Music Foundation share a commitment to nurturing musical talent, widening participation and ensuring that music remains a vibrant and transformative part of young people's lives. Through our role as a Lead School, we contribute to a thriving culture of music-making across the local community while providing our students with outstanding opportunities to develop as performers, composers and creative musicians.
How do we teach Music at HAWI?
Our music curriculum is built around a carefully sequenced spiral model, enabling students to revisit and deepen their understanding of the three core disciplines of music: performing, composing and listening. As students progress through the key stages, they encounter increasingly sophisticated musical concepts, skills and repertoire, building confidence and expertise over time.
Learning is organised through engaging units of study that explore music from a wide range of historical periods, genres, cultures and traditions. Each unit is driven by a thought-provoking Big Question, encouraging students to think critically, make connections and develop their musical understanding as they seek answers through practical and theoretical learning.
Music theory is woven into every lesson, ensuring students develop fluency in musical language and notation. This knowledge empowers them to access and engage with music independently, opening pathways to lifelong music-making. Alongside this, creativity sits at the heart of our curriculum. Students are encouraged to experiment, take risks and express themselves through singing, instrumental performance, composition and music technology, developing both technical skill and artistic confidence.
How do we make Music memorable at HAWI?
Music is at the heart of school life at HAWI, creating unforgettable experiences that inspire students and build a sense of belonging. Beyond the classroom, students have access to a vibrant programme of musical opportunities that allow them to develop their talents, discover new passions and create lasting memories.
Our team of visiting specialist instrumental teachers provides weekly one-to-one tuition in drums, guitar, piano, singing, strings, woodwind and brass, enabling students to flourish as musicians. A wide range of extra-curricular ensembles welcomes students of all abilities and backgrounds, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate, perform and succeed. Whether joining a choir, performing in a string ensemble, playing in a band or attending the popular Friday morning Music Theory Club, every student has the opportunity to develop their musical talents and find their place within HAWI's thriving musical community.
Students can also take part in enrichment activities that develop skills in music technology or provide the opportunity to learn a brass instrument from scratch. These experiences often become the starting point for a lifelong musical journey.
One of the most exciting opportunities available to students is HAWI Rocks, our unique Saturday music programme that brings together young musicians to form and perform in real pop and rock bands. Open to students from across the local community, HAWI Rocks provides specialist tuition in drums, guitar, keyboards and vocals, while developing ensemble skills, confidence and stagecraft. Students rehearse and perform a carefully selected repertoire of contemporary pop and rock music, working collaboratively with expert tutors and fellow musicians. Through regular rehearsals and performances, HAWI Rocks nurtures creativity, teamwork and a love of live music, providing students with an authentic band experience that is both challenging and rewarding.
Performance is a cornerstone of musical life at HAWI. Throughout the year, students showcase their achievements through a variety of exciting events, including the Winter Celebration, where every Year 7 student joins together in a mass choir, the spectacular annual musical theatre production, which brings together students from across the school in a collaborative celebration of the performing arts, and the Summer Arts Festival, a week-long celebration of creativity culminating in performances from ensembles and soloists.
Through these opportunities, students experience the thrill of performance, the power of collaboration and the joy of creating music together. At HAWI, we strive to ensure that every student leaves with treasured musical memories, newfound confidence and a lifelong appreciation of the transformative power of music.
If your child is interested in receiving instrumental music lessons, please download the following form below.